Increase in alcohol prices will have positive effect on society

Senator Deirdre Clune is welcoming the increase in alcohol prices which were announced as part of the Budget for 2013 yesterday. Excise duty on a bottle of wine has increased by €1 while the duty on a pint of beer or cider has risen by 10 cent. A standard measure of spirits is increasing by 10 cent.

“I accept that this was a cost saving measure however Christmas can be a difficult time for many families and domestic violence and arguments can escalate and be made worse by alcohol.

“According to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs one in four people who took part in the survey claimed to have been hurt because of someone else’s drinking. Hurtful experiences included family problems, being assaulted and being a drunk driver’s passenger.

“Every seven hours someone dies from an alcohol related illness. On top of this we are the biggest binge drinkers in Europe – only 30 per cent of adults on a normal drinking occasion can confine themselves to two drinks or less.

 “Alcohol abuse imposes a huge burden on the health service, accident and emergency departments in hospitals, particularly at the weekend are overflowing with drink related injuries or sicknesses.

“Crimes related to alcohol are also a massive issue in Irish society, the cost of alcohol related crime in Ireland is an estimated 1.2 billion. Alcohol has been identified as a contributory factor 97% of public order offences as recorded under the Garda PULSE system.  

“Recent research in Canada found that a 10% increase in the minimum price of alcohol led to a significant decrease in consumption which in turn can impact on public health and safety. It is clear that the price of alcohol has a clear impact on consumption.

“This hike in prices particularly relating to spirits is a step in the right direction. It is my view that a national strategy concerning alcohol should be implemented which should include minimum pricing in Ireland as well as training for all staff who work in alcohol retailers.”